Europe is a very, very old continent with a ton of history, wars, culture, and natural beauty. Despite its fragmented past, and present, Europe is a place with almost zero friction to travel around. There’s the Eurail option, driving, or chartering jets at JetApp. Regardless of your means, here are the top 5 most interesting countries in Europe.
Iceland
Iceland tops the list because of its natural wonders. It stands head and shoulders above almost any country in the world for having such unique landscapes, geology, and atmospheric wonders. From the northern lights to the geothermal lakes, Iceland is a small island packed densely with incredible experiences. A good holiday in Iceland is spent in the natural spas, seeing its geysers and waterfalls, and gazing up at the atmospheric lights.
Italy
Italy is one of the most historically rich countries in the world. Home to the Romans, there’s an endless number of remains and stunning architecture that still stands today; from the Colosseum to the Pantheon. But, beyond its history, present-day Italy is no slouch either, as they have some of the most beloved food in the world. Pasta, pizza, risotto, lasagna… the list goes on. Italian food is simple but delicious, and people travel from across the world to experience it.
France
France is the single most visited country in Europe, and for good reason. There are a lot of sites to see, like the Eiffel tower, but it’s also known for its fine dining and high-quality cuisine. Additionally, it has some similarities to Britain in regards to its country villages and picturesque buildings, so even if you avoid Paris, there are a lot of great countryside towns to visit. Or, for those wanting luxury, head to the south along the riviera where you can enjoy stunning beaches and world-class yachts. Plus, Italy and France are both a part of the Alps for those that want to ski and gawk at incredible mountainous views.
Turkey
Turkey has a fairly different history and culture from the rest of Europe, which is what makes it so interesting. Being predominantly Muslim and with routes in from the middle east, Turkey has unique architecture and food, along with its own dynasties like the Ottoman empire. However, Turkey is the third most visited country in Europe, and many aren’t there for the culture. That’s because Turkey has another side to it: pristine white sand, gorgeous coastlines, and a huge resort industry that makes it perfect for sunny holidays.
Croatia
The last country on this list was difficult, but Croatia was picked for two key reasons. Firstly, it’s one of the most picturesque places in Europe, with stunning Baroque and Rococo architecture, making it dreamy to walk around and take pictures. But secondly, it was picked because of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Plitvice is often considered to be the most impressive national park in Europe. At almost 300 square kilometres, this forest reserve has multiple waterfalls, hiking trails, and many stunning lakes that you can swim in. Arguably, this will be the most memorable visit in Europe.
